The Raphael Cat scares my pleco. He doesn't like to be touched and my cat seems to think his pectorals would make a good place to hide.
The Pleco also like to wear his slab of wood as a hat. It cracks me up.
He also loves to "fly" in the bubbles.


I'm having a horrible time trying to get him to eat fresh and cooked vegis so right now he mostly eats a few fish flakes, algae wafers and he sucks on his wood slab.Soon I will try boiled cabbage or lettuce. Maybe some boiled carrots.

Nice fish!! What size is the tank? That pleco seems to have outgrown it.

46 gallon bow front. He wedges himself in that corner during the day to rest because I haven't found a local driftwood dealer. Just bought him a little while ago so my main concern is getting him adjusted and making sure he heals after being beaten up at the pet store.

How big is he? He looks to be nearly 8" or so. Thats a bowfront so IDK.

He is about 15 inches long.

Wow that thing is big!! I reccomend a bigger tank for a fish that big though. He sure is beautiful though.

A larger tank is not needed as most plecos aren't very active. A big fish doesn't necessarily mean you need a big tank, same goes for small fish.

Well the things can get over 2 foot. That tank is what? 3.5 feet in length? That gives rougly one foot to swim length wise and not enough deep. He will live but possible get stunted. http://www.aquatic-hobbyist.com/profiles/f...lecostomus.html Not trying to start anything just trying to help.

Thats a very bad article when you consider there is no one species called "common pleco."

You want me to bring up about 10 more? That there is a common pleco rather it be sailfin or not. Both get large and need a large aquarium. They are nocturnal meaning they look lazy when you see them because of the fact they move at night.

Cool fish! I'm not really into plecs but it was very nice of you to take him in and try to help him get better. I really like the raphael cat--I heard they're also called the "talking catfish". Does yours ever make noise?? I was thinking of getting one until I found out they can grow to about 8 inches! I still think they're neat looking, though.

Beautiful pleco Sushi the 46 is actually a good size tank for a pleco as they have very similar dimensions to a 55 which is what a pleco would comfortably live in for most of it's adult life. I have been looking at getting a tandanus tandanus catfish but i think i may have to save up for an 8footer first since they don't stop growing.

Kuli_Loach- He is L021 P. Pardalis. Average size is 13 inches while 15 inches is more unusual but defiantly heard of. All plecos are different and all plecos have their own care requirements. Yes, I know they are nocturnal, almost all catfish are. My tank is still perfectly fine(could use some driftwood, but its still fine). I'm not new to fish keeping and I'm not someone who just bought him and threw him in a tank without any prior knowledge on the species so I would appreciate it if you didn't treat me that way. I'll raise and care for my fish the way I see fit and, you can raise and care for your fish the way you see fit.

Kristi- Yeah. He had been at the pet store for at least a year, stuck in a 20 long with about 5 similar sized plecos, a synodontis eupterus and 6-10 plecos around 5 inches. He has some scars but they all appear to have healed correctly. Some people say raphaels croak but mine makes more of a hum when taken out of the water when undergoing examinations. Lucky I haven't needed to remove him for a long time. He is being very good about coming out more often. 8 inches is a little rare. Your average sized one would be 6 inches. However I did have one got over 7 inches! He was gorgeous! If you have the room, defiantly get one. They are very funny little guys and a joy to watch.

dan in aus- Wow, thats neat. How long do you think its going to take to save up for one and everything in needs? It would defiantly be a gorgeous fish to own.

Sushi I respect that but I sayed I was trying to help. I agree, it is your fish, keep it how you want. It is a beautiful fish right now and I congragulate you on that buy. I am not going to discuss it anymore because I will start a fight on here if I do.

Thank you for respecting my request.

wow those are nice pics..i had a chance to save a common pleco but i had no room for it.

The rate i am going maybe 6 years if i am lucky lol. but they are definitely my favourite type of catfish and it will be my next fish when i get a 6-8foot tank

I don't live in Australia but I do know that the laws are strict,I believe we have discussed some species on PB. Is the eel cat legal to own? I know they are from parts of Australia but does Australia allow you to own them?

6 years isn't bad at all! I bet it will be even faster if you stick to it.

lol it may be quicker than 6years but a long time still. Tandanus catfish are legal here they are easy to find nearly every lfs around me has one they get them monthly

Beautiful fish Sushi! I once had a spotted Raphael...he was gorgeous, with blue eyes. Can we see a full tank pic of that 46? Pweezz??

wow they're both gorgeous fish.

i love the Raphael Cat's markings

the pleco is huuuge. it's lucky to have an owner who realizes what his needs are and provides them for him.

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